ABC7 Camerman From Bolingbrook Dies

BOLINGBROOK, IL - A Bolingbrook resident who spent several years employed at ABC 7 in Chicago as the Chopper7 cameraman has died after a lengthy battle against cancer. ABC 7 reported that Rolando Banda died on Sunday night. He was 57.

ABC 7 reported that Banda worked as the helicopter cameraman from 2001 through 2013. In January 2016, his wife created a GoFundMe account called Rolando's Fight Against Cancer. Over the past 25 months, the GoFundMe account raised more than $45,000 thanks to contributions from more than 300 people.

"Two-and-a-half years ago, Rolando went to the doctor to be treated for what we thought were common nasal polyps. However, there was nothing common about the news we received," the GoFundMe page stated.

"Cancer had filled the sinus cavity and through the floor of his eye, and (doctors) were unsure if his eye would need to be removed. We were grateful it didn't ... Eight months later, a routine CT scan showed the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes of his neck. This meant more surgeries and our first experience with immunotherapy."

A funeral visitation for Banda is scheduled from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at Living Water Community Church in Bolingbrook, 190 Lily Cache Lane. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday inside the Bolingbrook church.

Image via GoFundMe Rolando's Fight Against Cancer